Newly-promoted Fulham are set to pip Wolverhampton Wanderers to the signing of Palhinha, despite reported interest from Manchester United, according to the front page of Portuguese outlet A Bola.
A defensive midfielder by trade, the Portuguese international racked up 27 appearances in the Primeira Liga this season, grabbing three goals in the process. Having been linked with Manchester City and United, it seems as though that interest has cooled in the time since, and it has instead left Fulham and Wolves to fight it out for his signature.
And, as per reports from Portugal, it is Fulham that have jumped ahead in the queue for the 26-year-old with the Cottagers just ‘one step away’ from completing a deal for the midfielder, with an imminent agreement between the two clubs.
It is thought that any deal would set the new Premier League club back around 20m euros after bonuses were included, with Palhinha set to sign a four year deal in the capital.
Neves’ future up in the air
Part of the reason for an agreement between Fulham and Sporting is the unclear future of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who has two years left to run on his Wolves contract and is now entering the prime of his career.
Ruben Neves could well move on this summer should an offer come in (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images).
Neves, often linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, has racked up 142 appearances in Black and Gold under Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage across his four seasons in the top flight.
However, a move to Arsenal seems off the cards, with the Gunners having opted for Youri Tielemans this summer instead of the Wolves man, while Manchester United seem keen on Frenkie de Jong, though whether such a deal is feasible remains to be seen.
Should it not, they may once again move for Neves.
